33 House Dems break with Jeffries as party fractures over Israel
The 237-169 vote would require schools to certify they are not joining commercial boycotts of Israel or risk losing federal student aid.
- On Thursday, the House passed the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act in a 237-169 vote, with 33 Democrats breaking from Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and James Clyburn to support the measure.
- Sponsored by North Carolina Republican Virginia Foxx, the legislation amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to withhold federal funding from universities engaging in what it defines as a 'nonexpressive commercial boycott' of Israel.
- Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz, the ranking member of the subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, supported the bill, a move that angered progressives who criticize the measure for targeting the BDS movement.
- Rep. Jerry Nadler called the bill a 'gross violation of the First Amendment,' while Rep. Bobby Scott noted no American university has enacted such policies, both citing the measure as a 'solution in search of a problem.'
- The bill now moves to the Senate, where Foundation for Middle East Peace President Lara Friedman suggests it could facilitate legal action against schools by penalizing constitutionally protected political expression.
16 Articles
16 Articles
House Votes To Punish Colleges That Boycott Israel
The Guardian reports: The US House of Representatives on Thursday passed a Republican-backed bill that would penalize universities that participate in boycotts of Israel, or attempt to prevent students from taking part in exchange programs with the country. The Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act passed by a 237-169 vote, with 33 Democrats breaking with the rest of their party to vote in favor, and only two Republicans opposed. It now goes…
House passes bill to restrict university boycotts of Israel
The bill, backed by AIPAC but opposed by J Street and Democratic leaders, treats a total boycott of Israel like a boycott of West Bank companies. House Democratic Leader Jeffries: the bill would allow Trump to 'launch political attacks on our colleges and universities'
Democratic Division Intensifies as 33 Members Align with Republicans on College Bill
A significant rift surfaced within the Democratic Party as 33 representatives sided with Republicans on legislation aimed at colleges involved in boycotts. This move highlights ongoing tensions within the party.
'Civil War' Erupts Within Democrat Party As 33 Reps. Join GOP On New Measure
Democrats erupted into another bitter internal fight Thursday after 33 House members broke with party leadership and joined Republicans to pass a bill targeting colleges that participate in boycotts of Israel. The measure cleared the House in a 237-169 vote, with all but two Republicans backing it and 33 Democrats crossing party lines to support […]
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